NOTE: This test is ONLY AVAILABLE TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS.
Insulin Resistance Test
Do you have insulin resistance, are you going to be diabetic?
Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition characterised by resistance to the effects of insulin at a cellular level. Muscle and adipose tissue require increasing greater amounts of insulin to transfer sugars from the bloodstream. Higher levels of pancreatic insulin synthesis are required to maintain normal blood levels and, therefore both fasting and post-prandial glucose levels rise. Increasing HOMA scores reflect this. Untreated insulin resistance may lead to diabetes and require medical intervention and ongoing treatment.
Insulin Resistance is calculated from both the fasting insulin and fasting glucose results to create the HOMA score (homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance).
Insulin resistance is a key component of the Metabolic Syndrome along with abdominal obesity, elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol and high blood pressure.
A strong family history of diabetes is a major risk factor for high levels of insulin resistance, along with high GI carbohydrates intake including excessive alcohol consumption; lack of regular exercise; stress and nutritional deficiencies such as chromium, vanadium and magnesium.
The Insulin Resistance Test
The insulin resistance test is a simple blood test that can be done right near your home or office. This test is an important hormone test that tells you if you are resistant to insulin. The test looks at fasting glucose, fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) The test includes:
- An authorized blood specimen order form that you take to your local accredited pathology for collection of your blood (Find a pathology near you here).
- A blood specimen test kit for the pathology to use to collect your blood sample
- Complete instructions for taking the test for you and the pathology
Test results are sent to one of our professional health practitioners within 7-10 business days for evaluation. Our practitioners contact you with the results and recommendations on any findings via email, mail or phone.
About Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a key component of Metabolic Syndrome along with abdominal obesity, elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol, and high blood pressure. This resistance is seen in both endogenous insulin production as well as resistance to the effects of exogenous insulin administered by injection.
A strong family history of diabetes is a major risk factor for high levels of insulin resistance, along with high GI carbohydrate intake including excessive alcohol consumption; lack of regular exercise; stress, and nutritional deficiencies such as chromium, vanadium, and magnesium.
Higher levels of pancreatic insulin synthesis are required to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Increasing insulin hormone scores reflect pre-diabetes, metabolic disorders & or syndrome X. This test is therefore a major advantage in early detection to reverse these conditions through nutritional intervention. Those who have already been diagnosed as diabetic can also benefit greatly from the interventions used as a result of a positive test to insulin resistance.
Analytes
- Fasting Glucose
- fasting Insulin
- HOMA-IR score (homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance)
Test Method
Automated chemistry (Roche Diagnostics)
Common Conditions:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Hypercholesterolaemia
- Hypertension
- Hypertriglyceridaemia
- Nutritional and Dietary Symptoms
- Obesity
- Endocrine and Hormonal Health
- Pre-diabetes
Have any questions about this test? Ask one of our qualified health practitioners here.
About The Test
All tests come with full instructions, including a pre-authorised practitioner script.
Home test kits come with everything you need to complete the test, including free express post return postage to the laboratory.
All pathology test kits come with a preauthorised script (including test kit/s if required) to take to your local pathology test centre.
You can click here to find a pathology near you.
Turn-around time: 24 hours
